LOS ANGELES (CNN) -- Actor John Ingle, who played patriarch Edward Quartermaine on ABC's "General Hospital," has died at age 84, ABC announced Monday.

Ingle died at his California home on Sunday while fighting cancer, the network said in a news release.

"John Ingle achieved great joy from playing the role of Edward Quartermaine," according to executive producer Frank Valentini. "In our brief time working together, I have enjoyed getting to know a great man who embraced life, cherished what he did and, most of all, loved his family."

The actor last appeared in an episode of the long-running daytime soap opera just last Tuesday.

"He was genuinely interested in people and everything that was going on.... His dressing room door was always open, and many of us would find our way there to pick his brain and, in turn, he would lend an ear and offer his wisdom," said longtime fellow cast member Leslie Charleson, who has played Dr. Monica Quartermaine on "General Hospital."

"Always the professional, after his first surgery he was worried about whether 'Edward' would wear a cap. I for one, will miss that cap, because he wore it well. But above all I will miss him, and especially his wonderful smile."

Ingle taught drama for three decades before launching his acting career in 1985, according to ABC. The network said his students included Albert Brooks, Nicolas Cage, Richard Dreyfuss, Joanna Gleason, Barbara Hershey, Swoosie Kurtz, Stefanie Powers, David Schwimmer and Jonathan Silverman.

He joined "General Hospital" in 1993.

He had appeared in movies such as "Batman and Robin," "Death Becomes Her," "Robocop 2" and "Heathers," and on TV shows including "Days of Our Lives," "Beverly Hills, 90210," "Cheers," "Dallas," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "Night Court" and "The Drew Carey Show."

On Sunday, Ingle died surrounded by his family, including five daughters, ABC said. His wife of 57 years, Grace-Lynne Martin, died in February.

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